Electrically-vibrated toothbrush



P. J. FITZGERALD.

ELECTRICALLY VIBRATED .TOOTHBRUSH.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 8.1919.

Patented June 1; 1920.

UNITED STATES,

PATENT OFFICE.

PATRICK J. FITZGERALD, CF TORRINGTON, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO THE FITZGERALD MFG. CO., INC., OF TORRINGTON, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORA- Y TION OF CONNECTICUT.

ELECTRICALLY-VIBRATED TOOTHBRUSI-I.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 8,-1919. Serial No. 309,295.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, PATRICK J. FITZGER- ALD, a citizen of the United States, residin This invention relates to electrically vibrated tooth brushes.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a light portable device for brushing the teeth and massaging the gums, for use by dentists and people troubled with diseases of the gums. K

A further object of the invention is to produce a compactly arranged hand tool of the character described and composed of a minimum number of parts.

Referring more particularly to the drawings- Figure 1 represents a section through the casing, the interior structure being shown in elevation.

Fig. 2 is a plan view'of the device.

The invention embraces a portable hand instrument for brushing the teeth and massaging the gums, and is particularly useful to dentists in the treatment of diseases of the gums where a massaging action is required to set up a circulation. structurally, the invention consists of a small casing inclosing electromagnets, detachably held therein by screws, and a leaf spring armature, the end of which projecting from the casing is provided with the tooth brush. Into the opposite end of the casing threads a handle for holding the device, and'this same threaded connection of the handle is utilized for positioning the spring leaf armature within the casing. In addition, the handle is bored centrally to provide an entrance for the electrical conduit connection to the electromagnets within the casing.

The invention, as illustrated in the drawings, comprises a casing 1 of any desired shape and material, to .the inner wall of which is' attached, in any suitable manner, the electromagnetic means for vibrating the tooth brush. For this purpose the casing the ends of the 'electromagnets 4, suitable blocks of insulation 5 being interposed therebetween.

In order to provide an electrical connection for said electromagnets, the iend 6 of the casing is provided with a threaded hole for the reception of a threaded stud 7 projecting from the inner end of the handle 8. The handle and stud are bored centrally, as at 9, to receive the electrical conductors 10, which pass into the casing 1 and are connected to the electromagnets 4. The opposite end of these conductors 10 have the usual connection to a source of alternating current. Obviously, by the use of a suitable interrupter, a direct current may be used.

The armature 11 is arranged in vibratable relation to the electromagnets 4, being fixed to a leaf spring 12, detachably connected by a screw 13, or otherwise, to an L-shaped insulation member 14, having a bore through zlvlhich threads the inner stud 7 on the hane 8. The tooth brush 15 is detachably secured in a holder 16 of any design and material. This holder projects through a slot 17 formed in the end of the casing opposite the handle, and is connected in any desired manner to the armature 11.

The casing opposite the electromagnets is provided with integral ears 18,'having thread holes 19', whereby the casing cover 20 is attached by means of screws 21.

In cleaning the teeth with the above device, the brush is given the usual reciprocating motion by means of the handle,'

while at the same time the electromagnets impart a vibrating motion at right angles to the plane of the brush producing a masmoved longitudinally during its vibrations.

Then, again, it will be noted that the armature at one end is attached to a spring, while at its other end means is provided for supporting the brush so that the brush is or'supporting point of the spring.

a considerable distance from the fulcrum The vibration given the armature by the electromagnets is, therefore, very much multiplied in the-brush.

Having thus described my invention, what I claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: 1

1. An electrically vibrated tooth brush comprising a casing, a supporting handle therefor, an electromagnetic means arranged within said casing and includin a vibrated armature having a longitudina extension, a tooth brush mounted in said extension and arranged so that vibration is produced substantially endwise of the bristles.

2. An electrically vibrated tooth brush comprising a casing, a handle supporting the same, electromagnetic means arranged I within said caslng and including a vibrated 20 armature, said armature having a longitudinal extension provided with a tooth brush I holder, a tooth brush detachably mounted in said extension and having its longitudinal axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the armature and parallel with the longitudinal axis of the handle, and with its bristles substantially transverse to the plane of said handle whereby endwise vibration of the bristles is produce In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in the presence of 'tWo Witnesses.

P. J. FITZGERALD- Witnesses:

BERTRAND C. PEoK, J. A. BECK. 

